You are not alone. Over 91,806 Houston area residents have filed for bankruptcy since 2008. This free guide will help you understand your options, know what to expect, and make informed decisions.
Read the FAQ Check Your EligibilityChapter 7 filing fees are $338 and Chapter 13 filing fees are $313. Attorney fees in Houston typically range from $1,000-$2,500 for Chapter 7 and $3,000-$5,000 for Chapter 13. You will also need to pay for required credit counseling courses, usually $25-$50 total.
Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans) in about 3-4 months. You must pass a means test based on your income.
Chapter 13 lets you keep your property while repaying debts over 3-5 years. Good for saving a home from foreclosure or a car from repossession. No means test required.
Not sure which chapter fits? Compare them in detail.
The numbers tell an important story. The Southern District of Texas has processed 91,806 Chapter 13 cases since 2008.
91,806 cases filed since 2008. Only 34.9% achieved a successful discharge. The prior filer rate is 30.6% - meaning roughly 1 in 4 filers have been through this before.
The total cost depends on the chapter you file and your specific situation:
Fee waivers are available for Chapter 7 filers whose income is below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Full cost breakdown → | National cost guideChapter 7 filing fees are $338 and Chapter 13 filing fees are $313. Attorney fees in Houston typically range from $1,000-$2,500 for Chapter 7 and $3,000-$5,000 for Chapter 13. Credit counseling costs about $25-50 total. Full cost breakdown.
Texas's homestead exemption protects Unlimited (10 acres urban). In Chapter 13, you can keep your home while catching up on missed payments through your plan. See all exemptions.
Texas allows a vehicle exemption of $0 - fully exempt if needed for work. In Chapter 13, you can keep your car and catch up on payments through your plan. Learn about exemptions.
Chapter 7 typically takes 3-4 months from filing to discharge. Chapter 13 requires completing a 3-5 year repayment plan. The 341 meeting of creditors usually happens about 30 days after filing. Full timeline.
Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debt quickly but requires passing a means test. Chapter 13 allows you to keep property while repaying debts over 3-5 years. Your income, assets, and type of debt determine which chapter is best. Compare chapters.
Based on data from 91,806 cases, the S.D. Tex. has a 65.1% dismissal rate. This means many filers never complete their plan. Full statistics.
Use the free 1328(f) screener to check whether a prior discharge affects your eligibility for a new discharge.
Free Discharge ScreenerYour Next Questions
Real users ask these next - we built the answers.
Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13
Compare chapters before you choose
chapter7vs13.org →
How Much Does It Cost?
Attorney fees and filing costs by chapter
howmuchdoesbankruptcycost.com →
Exemptions by State
Your state exemptions for vehicles, homes, and more
bankruptcyexemptionsbystate.com →
What Is a Bankruptcy Mill?
Avoid high-volume firms with poor outcomes
bankruptcymill.org →
Open Bankruptcy Project provides free educational information. We are not a law firm. Nothing on this site constitutes legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
Need Free Bankruptcy Help?
If you cannot afford a bankruptcy attorney, free help is available. Legal aid organizations, law school clinics, and court self-help programs can assist you at no cost.
Find Free Help in TexasYou May Also Find Helpful
Brunner Test (§523(a)(8))
3-prong analysis for discharging student loans
Car Loan After Bankruptcy
Buy a car and get financing post-discharge
Student Loans in Bankruptcy
Can you discharge them? 2026 guide
Federal Exemptions §522(d)
Complete list of federal exemptions
Nondischargeable Debts List
Debts that survive bankruptcy discharge
Additional resources on this site